French Riviera

The Côte d'Azur (French Riviera) refers to the whole Mediterranean coastline of southeastern France, from Hyères to Menton (city close to the Italian frontier). The French Riviera probably contains the most popular seaside resorts of the world. Its cities are world-renowned and millions of international tourists spend holidays there every year. Let those wonderful cities enthral you!

Tourism Attractions

Worldwide famous seaside resorts such as Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins or Saint-Raphaël belong to the French Riviera. These cities benefit from a Mediterranean climate, which is undoubtedly a real advantage for tourism. Their seemingly endless beaches also explain their popularity.

Côte d'Azur beaches are not only long and beautiful. They allow indeed the practice of various sports: windsurfing, motorized water sports, such as power boats, jet bikes and water skiing, but also sailing and canoeing.

Another attribut of French Riviera's cities is their wealth. Every city is very prosperous and welcome the richest people of the world during the whole year. Tourists often come to admire the wonderful yachts and try to catch sight of celebrities.

Even if the prices of products sold in Côte d'Azur's expensive shops are often prohibitive, you will still take pleasure in admiring these luxurious items. You will also find many sumptuous restaurants and hotels along the seasides. Hotels such as Majestic, Hilton and Martinez in Cannes or Negresco and Carlton hotels in Nice belong to the Leading Hotels of the World organisation, (which lists the finest luxury hotels of the world). The Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco is also a great tourist attraction, as well as the regatta, which is held every year (early October) in Saint-Tropez and allows people to gaze at numerous yachts.

Other Curiosities

Not only the French Riviera's seasides are beautiful, but also are the cities inland. You will be charmed by the typical coloured houses of Southeast France, as well as by the natural areas, which remain intact.

But the French Riviera is not only composed of beaches and luxurious places! There is also a plenty of cultural areas and places for international congresses and conventions. Over a hundred museums and more than 150 galleries promote the Côte d'Azur artistic life. We can quote for instance the Chagall Museum, the Matisse Museum and the Palais des Congrès Acropolis (conference centre) in Nice, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès (Festivals and congresses palace) in Cannes or the musée de l'Annonciade (Annunciation Museum) in Saint-Tropez. Famous artists such as Picasso, Matisse and Bizet are native of the French Riviera area.

Events and Festivals in Côte d'Azur

Below are some events, amongst others, which happen in the French Riviera every year.

• International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo (Monaco, January / February)
• Lemon Festival (Menton, February)
• Carnival (Nice, February)
• International Film Festival (Cannes, May)
• Grand Prix Formula One race (Monaco, May)
• Gathering of old teak and brass sailing vessels (Antibes, June)
• Jazz Festival (Juan-les-Pins, July)
• Jazz Festival (Nice, July)